Prop. R is a proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot to honor the retirement commitment made to the CCFR professional firefighter paramedics who keep the community safe by fully funding the CCFR retirement program.
1. The Safety Of Our Community Always Comes First
Through the years the District has strived to maintain the high level of emergency services our residents expect and deserve. Unfortunately, this has taken a toll on the ability of our firefighters to comfortably retire at a reasonable age, with many fighting fires, performing technical rescues and providing medical emergency care well into their 60s.
2. We Made A Commitment
When we hire our professional firefighters/paramedics/EMTs, we make a commitment to provide them with a competitive salary, training opportunities, a safe work environment and the ability to retire with dignity.
Even though it is one of the most dangerous career paths, with an increased risk of heart attacks, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and most recently COVID-19, this commitment allows CCFR to recruit and retain well-trained, experienced professional firefighters/paramedics to serve our community. Watch the More Than A Firefighter video series to learn more about life as a CCFR professional firefighter/paramedic.
3. The Rate Was Established In 1991 And Has Gone Down Since Then
Residents approved the 5-cent firefighters’ retirement fund tax rate in 1991, nearly 30 years ago. The District has never asked the community for an increase in this rate, even though state law has forced an 18% rollback. Due to responsible planning, the District has been able to fully fund retirement commitments, even with this rate reduction and economic highs and lows.
4. Our Growing Workforce Is Aging
When the retirement plan was started, it served 22 employees; now, it serves 85. Many of our CCFR firefighters are close to 50 years old, or older, with more than two decades of service to the community.
5. Prop. R Would Provide Adequate Funding For The District’s Retirement Program
If Prop. R is approved by the community, it would provide resources to honor the retirement commitments to all CCFR firefighters by funding the District’s retirement program, with a 10-cent increase in the pension fund tax rate. If approved, the plan will cost the owner of a $200,000 home an additional $3.17 per month, or about the cost of a gallon of milk.
Voting Information
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Mail-in and absentee voting are available now. For details visit election.sccmo.org or call 636.949.7550.
Paid for by Central County Fire & Rescue, David Bell, Board of Directors Secretary, 1220 Cave Springs Blvd., St. Peters, MO 63376